Hello all. I pray you are finding the study valuable. This week, we'll finish preliminary study #1. Please complete page 4 and commit to the reading assignment at the bottom of the page. It entails reading the book of John. Read one chapter a day. Memorize John 1:12, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"
To this point, no one except Brooke and I have posted comments. I know this family is not "quiet" - someone always has something to say! I encourage you to post a comment and discuss what the Lord has put on your heart regarding the study material.
Love, Brad
3 comments:
That Jesus Christ paid for our sins is something I have had a hard time understanding. But the more I get into scripture, the better I understand although I have to put it into my own words: Jesus paid the ransom for our sin and God will forgive us if we turn to Him in faith and believe in Jesus. Now, you might take exception to the words "will" and "if" but that is my expression of unworthiness. I have also been concerned about being "chosen" and "predestined" (Romans 8:29). But the notes in my application bible have given me comfort: Those who are "called" are those the Holy Spirit convinces and enables to receive Christ. So again, the choice is ours--the Holy Spirit is always putting opportunities before us and we accept or reject them--because of our pride, selfishness, ego, or it isn't on my time!! How foolish we are. A guy by the name of Gordon Murray was interviewed on TV knowing that he was dying. Don't remember his accomplishments. In all he had to say about his preparation to die he said that he is not religious. It was said in the middle of nothing eluding to religion. Strange? Or something subconsciencely bothering him? How sad.
Pat/mom
1 Peter 2:21 "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:"
What did Jesus give before the grave? He gave us a pardon for our sins. Man's greatest need is Heaven through salvation. A pardon is only valuable if accepted and it is NOT a parole.
Pardon= free without stipulations
Parole= with circumstances
Everything Christ did pointed to the cross. Isaiah 53 talks about the sacrifice of Christ. I encourage you to read this. In vs 12 is clearly states that Christ is the only intercession for all sinners. "...he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."
Christ went before Pilate, and the crowd was cheering for Barabbas' release. When we choose to go against Christ and reject him; it is no different than us saying "release Barabbas, kill Christ".
Daily, I try to remember His sacrifice for all of us. I'm thankful for all God did for me and for this world!
Brooke
Hi everyone. I thought Mom and Brooke's comments are really good. Thanks for posting them.
What I pulled out of the study this week is related to John 1:12, "I believed Him" the Him being Christ. What is crucial about "believing" Christ is WHAT you believe about him. Many false religions recognize Jesus. They may view him as a prophet, or even the Son of God, but all these false religions fail to believe that Salvation is only found in Christ.
James 2:19 says "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
Think about it...Satan and his demons believe that Jesus Christ exists. Satan himself tempted Christ in the desert knowing Christ is the Son of God. Therefore, it is obviously not enough to simply "know" about Jesus. What is critical is WHAT you believe about Christ.
If you want eternal salvation, then what you need to believe about Christ is that he's more than a historical figure, he's more than an ancient prophet, more than a good man that did good things....He alone is the one that offers Salvation.
Acts 4:12 "...there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
Amen.
Love, Brad
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